Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Blackhawks' Niklas Hjalmarsson suspended for season opener

When the Blackhawks open the season next week against the Blues, they will be without one of their best defenders.

Niklas Hjalmarsson was suspended for the rest of the preseason and regular season game by the NHL Department of Player Safety for a blow to the Blues Ty Rattie in the Hawks 4-0 exhibition victory Saturday.

Hjalmarsson missed four games in total after receiving a match penalty for Saturday load. He was sitting on 6-3 defeat Sunday to the Red Wings in the context of the suspension. The Department of Player Safety had a telephone hearing with Hjalmarsson to discuss the coup Monday.

In a video describing the suspension, the director of security NHL Patrick Burke said Hjalmarsson made "significant contact" with the head of Rattie when he delivered the shot in the third period. Burke noted that Rattie was entitled to check on the game, but the Ministry of Security of the specified player Hjalmarsson committed charge by jumping and Rattie.

"As Hjalmarsson steps to deliver the blow, both players are weak and in a sporting position," said Burke. "However, rather than staying low and delivering a success thanks to the shoulder or chest Rattie, Hjalmarsson launches and Rattie establish substantial contact with his head. "

Hjalmarsson loses $ 22,777.78 as part of its suspension, the money will go to help fund emergency players.

Factoring in the suspension Hjalmarsson was a past transgression on his record from 2010 when he hit Jason Pominville, then with the Sabres from behind. Hjalmarsson was suspended two games for this one.

no Hjalmarsson for the opening season leaves a hole in the opening night alignment Hawks. This accommodation will probably go to one of the remaining defenders on the list after the latest round of cuts on Monday.

This means that eight defenders Hawks now include Hjalmarsson, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Brian Campbell, Michal Kempny Trevor van Riemsdyk, Michal Rozsival and 20 Forsling Gustav, which was one of the surprises of the Hawks camp.

"We like the depth of our blueline," said Joel Quenneville Saturday coach. "We are deeper than we have been in recent years. The openings are not what they are in the front. But during a season, that position is definitely important and you always have to go deep at times. "